“The Shtender: A Meditation for Prayer” is a presentation of AMK Productions in association with TorahCafe.com, the video website of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI).
It was written, directed by Meir Kalmanson, who also stars in the video. It was edited by Moishy Lew.
Lyrics:
Observing all that surrounds me, I stand there, in the front of the room
and though I may lead the leader, I feel, at times, under appreciated, that the person standing right in front of me does not acknowledge me. Does he see me? Do I exist?
Yes I do! and if he understood that he would to. but he’s lost in his clouds of thought, but what arrives from that, nought.
If he took a moment to reflect on the reality around him then perhaps he would reach the places in Shamayim, the places that he yearns for, dreams for, but instead of looking in his own backyard for inspiration he is out on the road in contemplation on words and meanings that are beyond him and by so, deprive him of the goal he wants to reach
I am here, willing to teach, but on the surface I look bland I am made out of wood, and with all my soul, with all my soul, I wish that I could. show him the depth of which I possess. instead he stands there like a damsel in distress, place your hands on my head and place your burden on to me, I could handle it.
and though it might seem that I stand there alone, I stand for much more, I am a stepping stone to the heavenly throne.
Let me tell you a story:
The Alter Rebbe once asked his son
when praying, what is it you meditate on?
The Mitteler Rebbe proceeded to enumerate
on the various passages he would fixate
his mind and emotions, and reach Kabbalistic conclusions
on subjects we could only wonder about
Then the son asked the father the same question
what is it that he reflects on
a much greater man then he
he expected the reply to be
on subjects so deep that he could only nod his head
but what his holy father replied
took him by surprise
When I pray, I focus on one thing, the shtender standing in front of me.
Such wonderful words from such a inspiring source
More inspiration from the wonderful R’ Kalmanson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn6s_LMkJ70
Is the meaning of this presentation:
The Shtender represents all physical creations, which seem void of spirituality, which are created by Hashem, and are naught with Hashem, and with Chassidus can serve to remind us of Hashem’s Existence and Power, and His constant attention to this world.
Through using the books of chasidus you can understand the wonder of some thing emanating from absolute nothingness
Then you don’t need to contemplate on any lofty spiritual concept or even any sophisticated physical thing
Regarding hashems power to create out of nothing the shtender is just as amazing
Once, at one of the holiday meals of Sukkos, the Alter Rebbe asked his son the Mitteler Rebbe “With what did you daven last Rosh Hashana?” The Mitteler Rebbe responded “With the idea of “Vechol Komah lefonecho tishtachave” the self-nullification of the partzuf of Adam Kadmon (that is, the upright posture of Adam Kadmon) .” The Mitteler Rebbe then asked the Alter Rebbe: “And with what did you daven?” To which the Alter Rebbe responded “With the shtender!”, meaning that he davened by contemplating on the fact that the coming into being of the physical is from Divine essence.” (Igrot… Read more »
The punch line of the story of the alter rebbe mentioned here
I’ve never heard that the shtender can teach and uplift. Is that the message here?
That walkaway at the end was a tad abrupt, but awesome vid, great message and well delivered.
Kol hakavod Meir!
Meir, you are the best!
A TRUE INSPIRATION!
Deep stuff. Had to watch 3 times. Good stuff!! #Rockstarmentality
Way to go Mair. We love you.